As the summer continues to roll on and the heat of the days continue, more people may be taking to recreational activities involving water. 

Dallas County Emergency Management Coordinator A.J. Seely says one important thing to remember regarding water activities is to make sure you plan ahead, like making sure river conditions are safe enough to be on the water. 

“The other thing that we’ve seen before and happens a couple times a year it seems like in Dallas County is not everybody understands the geography or the route that the river is taking. So, if you’re planning to go on a river have some sort of map or some sort of reference to know, ‘Hey when I go under this bridge I’m at this location and kind of have an idea of if I were to get stuck, or lost, or need help you can have a reference point to interface with emergency responders.’”

Seely tells Raccoon Valley Radio another important aspect of preparing for activities on the water is to know ahead of time everyone’s swimming abilities. Seely says communication is also key. 

“Having a communications mode, cell phone, that sort of thing, if you’re able to, so you can get out if you need to.”

Seely adds, people should always consider wearing a life jacket if they are out on the water.